Plush toy with multiple securing grips

ABSTRACT

A plush toy having a first grip of a horizontal orientation and a second grip of a vertical orientation. The first grip is placed about the back surface of the neck of the toy, and the second grip is placed about the back surface of the body of the toy. Other grip orientations and additional grips could be added, such as along the arms and legs of the plush toy. The grips simplify the gripping, holding, and carrying of the toy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a plush toy and method for use thereof, and more specifically to a plush toy having grips of various orientations.

2. Description of the Related Art

Plush toys, such as children’s teddy bears and other stuffed animals, generally have a plush and fuzzy exterior of various thickness. Other than clothing, this exterior of typical plush toys causes them to be difficult to grip and carry, especially by young children. What is needed is a plush toy with built-in grip functions to make it easier to enjoy the toy.

Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for a plush toy with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a plush toy having a first grip of a horizontal orientation and a second grip of a vertical orientation. Other grip orientations and additional grips could be added, such as along the arms and legs of the plush toy.

In a preferred embodiment, the first grip of horizontal orientation would be placed on the back surface of the neck area of the toy, between the body and the head of the toy. The second grip of vertical orientation is located on the back surface of the body of the toy.

Each of the first and second grips define a space between the strap and the surface of the toy which can fit the user’s hand or fingers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention from a rear angle.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof.

FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view thereof, the right side being a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof.

FIG. 7 is another rear elevational view thereof, showing a plush surface texture.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view thereof, showing a typical environment of being held by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Plush Toy 2

As shown in FIGS. 1-8 , the present invention is a plush toy 2 having a body 4, a head 6, and a neck portion 8 between the body and the head. The toy as shown may have legs, arms, ears, or other protruding limbs or parts, but they are not necessary in an embodiment of the present invention.

A first strap 10, shown having a horizontal orientation and is placed about the neck 8 of the toy 2, between the head 6 and the body 4. This strap 10 has a first space 12 between the strap 10 and the surface of the neck 8, where the user can insert their hand 18 (as shown in FIG. 8 ). This strap 10 can also be used to hang the toy 2 from a hook or other suitable hanging device for sale or display or even to dry after cleaning.

Similarly, a second strap 14 is shown having a vertical orientation and is placed on the surface of the back side of the body 4. This strap 14 has a second space 16 between the strap 14 and the surface of the body 4, where the user can insert their hand 18.

These two grip straps 10, 14 allow the user to interact with the toy in multiple ways, and makes it easier for someone with smaller hands or disabilities to easily hold onto the toy 2 while carrying it with them.

It should be noted that the plush toy 2 could have any feasible shape, and may not require a head portion, neck portion, and body portion. In a general sense, the plush toy 2 should have a body 4 and the two different strap 10, 14 orientations can be used for hanging the device or holding the device.

In an embodiment, for example, a simple plush toy in a round or spherical shape could include a front having a face or artwork of some kind displayed, and a back where the two straps 10, 14 are affixed.

In another embodiments, the straps 10, 14 could instead be replaced with two modification band appendages. The user could then slip their hand through the band appendage to allow easy holding of the toy 2 without dropping. The user can play with and interact with other toys simultaneously without worrying about dropping the plush toy 2.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects. 

1. A plush toy comprising: a body having a front face and a rear face; a first non-adjustable strap permanently affixed in a horizontally orientation to said rear face, said first non-adjustable strap defining a first space between said first strap and said rear face; a second non-adjustable strap permanently affixed in a vertically orientation to said rear face, said second non-adjustable strap defining second first space between said second strap and said back face of said body; said first non-adjustable strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said first end and said second end of said first non-adjustable strap are affixed to said rear face and define said first space between said first end and said second end; said first non-adjustable strap comprising a top edge and a bottom edge; said second non-adjustable strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said first end and second end of said second non-adjustable strap are affixed to said rear face and define said second space between said first end and said second end, said second non-adjustable strap placed centrally below said bottom edge of said first non-adjustable strap; and wherein said first space and said second space are sized similarly and are configured to receive a user’s arm.
 2. The plush toy of claim 1, further comprising: said body comprising a head placed atop a torso; a neck portion located between said torso and said head; said first strap located about said neck portion; and said second strap located about a rear face of said torso.
 3. The plush toy of claim 1, wherein said front face comprises a design.
 4. The plush toy of claim 3, wherein said design comprises a character’s face.
 5. The plush toy of claim 1, wherein said first strap is further configured to allow the plush toy to be hung from a structure.
 6. The plush toy of claim 1, further comprising: a first appendage affixed to said body, said first appendage comprising said first strap comprising ; and a second appendage affixed to said body, said first appendage comprising said second strap.
 7. The plush toy of claim 1, wherein said first end of said second non-adjustable strap is affixed to said rear face at a location directly beneath said bottom edge of said first non-adjustable strap. 